Orlando is famous for its subtropical climate that draws in vacationers and snowbirds alike, but the sunny weather isn’t just good for relaxing; it’s a fantastic environment for solar energy. Add the great weather to the city’s commitment to sustainability, and it’s easy to see why Florida is the third largest solar market in the nation. Averaging 5.6 hours of peak sun per day1, homeowners can easily utilize Florida’s abundant natural resource to cut energy bills and reduce carbon emissions. And with SunPower’s custom solar systems designed to fit Orlando’s weather, rooftops, and energy needs, it’s easier than ever for homeowners to join the movement and transition to solar power.
Orlando is a great place to transition to solar power thanks to the supportive solar atmosphere created by the local government over the last few years. In 2017, the City of Orlando passed a resolution to make the change to 100% renewable energy by 2050. Policymakers and the Orlando Utilities Commission have also put greater effort into creating supportive programs that will help homeowners looking to transition to solar power and save money. But money isn’t the only reason to go solar. If Orlando achieved its potential for solar power installations, Google’s Project Sunroof2 estimates that the city could generate 4.7 million megawatt hours of AC energy per year and eliminate 2.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.
As mentioned above, there are many programs that Orlando residents can take advantage of to make investing in solar more accessible:
Florida Net Metering: Orlando Utilities Commission has set up a Net Metering program in partnership with TruNet Solar, which allows homeowners with approved solar systems to sell excess energy generated by their system to the utility company. This surplus energy becomes energy credits deducted from any energy drawn from the grid to power the house when solar cannot—such as at night.
Sales Tax Exemption: In Florida, exemptions have been put in place on solar equipment to reduce costs with a sales tax exemption. Homeowners who buy Solar equipment are exempt from Florida’s 6% sales tax
Property Tax Exemption: In the same way sales taxes are not applied to solar equipment, home property taxes are not increased by solar installations, even though it is widely acknowledged that a solar system can increase property value by a significant amount.
Orange County Solar Co-Op (Solar Switch): Solar Switch is a group-buying program that allows neighborhoods to switch to solar together and save by buying equipment and services in bulk. Learn more here: https://www.orangecountyfl.net/Environment/Solar.aspx
Going solar is an investment homeowners can make with many benefits that are both immediate and long term in nature. Here is a short list to consider:
Savings on Energy Bills: Buying a solar system that can cover your home’s electricity needs can lock in monthly payments that are lower than current electricity rates. This allows homeowners to save money while avoiding the constantly increasing costs of electricity.
Boost Home Value: Recent studies show that many homes enjoy a significant increase in property value and faster sales turnaround when equipped with solar power.
Enjoy Energy Independence: If the solar system installed includes a solar storage solution, such as the Enphase 10C solar battery, then homes may be self-sufficient for energy and able to continue functioning normally even during blackouts.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: When a home transitions to solar power it also decreases its carbon footprint, eliminating emissions and contributing to local sustainability.
SunPower is dedicated to setting itself apart as a solar installation provider with our customer service and world-class equipment. Here’s what makes us different:
Industry-Leading Efficiency: The products we choose to provide to homeowners come from well-known manufacturers and are proven to be top-of-the-line. We are confident in the longevity, high output, and efficiency of the monocrystalline solar panels we offer to Orlando homeowners.
25-Year Warranty: Our warranties cover the lifetime of the system covering products, performance, and services.
Expert Installation Teams: We partner with local experts to provide world-class installation services and guarantee customer satisfaction.
Flexible Financing: Homeowners can choose from a number of flexible financing options designed to provide support to budgets of every size. Speak with a SunPower expert today to learn about $0-down loans, leases, or cash purchase options.
Smart Monitoring: SunPower systems offer smart monitoring options so that you can keep an eye on your system’s performance through easy-to-use mobile apps.
SunPower is proud to bring our excellent service to Orlando and the surrounding areas, including Winter Park, Kissimmee, Altamonte Springs, and Sanford.
When you choose SunPower for your solar installation, you are choosing a partner who is there for you from the beginning of the process to the end:
One of our local Orlando solar experts will come to your home and assess your roof, your energy usage, and your goals for a solar system. Then we create a customized plan to provide you with a system that will maximize savings and support your energy needs.
EnergySage states that homeowners in Orlando could save as much as $85,000 over the 25-year lifetime of their solar system! Of course, these savings are determined by the initial cost of the solar system, the rising rates of utility, the actual energy usage of the home, and the system installed.